like defence pact marking a pivot point in Middle Eastern politics
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan have signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca, modeled after NATO's Article 5. The pact aims to strengthen collective deterrence, though its practical implications in the volatile Middle East remain uncertain.
Why it matters
This alliance represents a significant shift in regional power dynamics, potentially challenging the influence of Israel and Iran.
Türkiye's president, the Saudi crown prince and Pakistan's prime minister signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca. ( Reuters: Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Turkish Presidential Press Office )
Link copied Share Share article A NATO-like defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan has landed like a stone thrown into an already swirling Middle East pool.
And the ripples from this deal are spreading as analysts consider its profound implications.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed last Friday in Mecca, is seen as a pivot point in the geopolitics of the region.
It is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and says an armed attack against any of the three would be regarded as an attack on all, just like Article 5 of the NATO agreement.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan later confirmed the agreement is technically the same as NATO's.
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